Reps decry vandalisation of power infrastructure

The House of Representatives, on Thursday, tasked Federal Government on the need to deploy technology-driven surveillance systems, such as drones and CCTV cameras, to safeguard transmission lines and other critical power infrastructure across the country.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on the need to safeguard and secure transmission lines, protect critical power infrastructure from incessant vandalization towards ensuring uninterrupted power supply, sponsored by Hon. Sani Umar Bala.

In his lead debate, Hon. Bala expressed grave concern that recently, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced that two towers along its 330OKV Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines 1 and 2 were vandalized, thereby damaging the transmission lines, resulting in blackouts in some parts of Kano and Kaduna States.

“The House also notes that the Transmission Company of Nigeria has reported five transmission line destruction incidents since February due to vandalism, expressing regret for the situation.

“The House is aware that in February 2024, several transmission line incidents occurred, including the destruction of Tower 70 along the Gwagwalada-Katampe transmission line on 26 February, 2024 as well as vandalisation of towers 377 and 378 along the Gombe-Damaturu 330KVA transmission line.

He also frowned at the attack on towers 145 to 149 and 201 to 218 along the Owerri-Ahoda 132k V transmission line as well as vandalization of Tower number 388 along the Jos-Bauchi 132kV single circus transmission line and collapsed due to vandalism.

“The House is aware that the vandalism of transmission lines has led to frequent power outages in mayor regions and states, negatively impacting socio-economic activities, business operations, and overall quality of life, thus imposing financial burden on the government.

“The House is worried that the consistent power outage in these regions impacts negatively on critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and security installations, exacerbating insecurity, reducing productivity, and limiting economic growth.

“The House is also worried that Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure is at risk of vandalian, causing frequent blackouts and threatening reliable electricity supply. potentially derailing plans to expand the national grid, attract foreign investments, and achieve energy sustainability.

“The House is cognizant of the need for a coordinated and comprehensive security strategy involving the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, to secure these transmission lines, protect critical energy infrastructure, and ensure uninterrupted power supply in affected areas,” he noted.

To this end, the lawmakers urge Federal Government to consider the deployment of technology-driven surveillance systems, such as drones and CCTV cameras, to monitor transmission lines in vulnerable areas.

The House also tasked management of Transmission Company of Nigeria to sensitize local communities along the affected routes the importance of safeguarding public infrastructure and to encourage community participation in protecting transmission lines from future vandalization.

In the same vein, the House urged Ministry of Power and the Transmission Company of Nigeria to expedite the repair and restoration of the damaged transmission lines along the Shiroro-Kaduna axis to mitigate the ongoing power outages.

In the bid secure the facilities, the House harped on the need for the National Security Adviser (NSA) to collaborate with Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Army and other relevant security agencies to immediately develop and implement a strategic security plan for safeguarding critical transmission lines across the country.

To this end, the House mandated the joint Committees on Power, National Security and Intelligence to interface with the Ministry of Power, Transmission Company of Nigeria and security agencies to ensure swift compliance and execution of protective measures for the transmission lines.

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